Aiden & Harlow (Wattpad version)

Connecting

Harlow

I ran along the pathway through the woods to clear my head. I kept to a steady pace, making sure I focused on my breathing. When I became stifled with a creative idea, I would run. The fresh air helped clear my mind.

I ran towards the cabin, then stopped. Aiden came out of the cabin without his leather jacket while wearing jeans and a tee-shirt. He leaned against a support beam and lit a cigarette. I pulled out my camera and snapped a photo. As he moved, I took pictures of him. Then I opened my pictures and changed them to mono. A smile curled upon my face.

I shoved my phone into my hoodie pocket and strolled towards the cabin.

"I didn't take you for an early bird."

"Running helps me clear my head when I get stuck on an idea."

"Did it help?"

"Yeah, it did." I stepped onto the porch and sat down in a chair.

Aiden leaned against a post while he smoked.

"Why do you smoke?"

"I enjoy a fag."

"Isn't that a strange word for a cigarette?"

Aiden chuckled. "The English call cigarettes fags."

"I still think it's odd."

"You're not going to lecture me about the dangers of smoking?"

"It's not my place to dictate your health. You're a big boy."

Aiden snickered.

"My dad hates cigarettes."

"Why?"

"Mom said something about his childhood. I didn't ask."

"You don't seem like you ask many questions."

"It depends. If I ask questions, it's because I'm curious. Some things aren't my business."

Aiden took a drag from his smoke, then blew it past his lips. He flicked the cigarette into the fire pit. He walked over and sat down next to me.

"Did you ever wonder about your parents?"

"I don't have to wonder. They tell me." I gave Aiden a look.

"Your parents offer up information, don't they?"

"You have no idea. I'm good without knowing the sordid details of my parents' past."

"Do you want some coffee?"

"Sure."

Aiden got up and went inside. My phone rang.

"Hello?"

Hey, Hunny. How's it going?

"It's okay."

Is Aiden behaving himself?

"Yes, Dad." I rolled my eyes.

Good, because I would hate to beat the hell out of him.

"We're here to work on my art school submission."

Dad chuckled.

"Bye, Dad." I hung up. I swear my dad has some weird issue.

The screen door creaked. I noticed Aiden with two mugs and got up to grab one. The screen door banged behind him. We carried our cups to our seats and sat down.

"Who called you?"

"My dad." I sipped my coffee.

"Why?"